In Defense of Academic FreedomOn April 4th, 2005, 24 Columbia University professors spoke out in defense of academic freedom. From such diverse disciplines asEnglish, Philosophy, Anthropology, Film, Law, Middle Eastern andAsian Languages and Cultures, and others, the professors spoke for over three hours to an audience of over five hundred in Columbia's venerable Low Library.While the style and content of their discussions displayed considerable variation, the one resounding theme of the evening was that faculty, students, and most of all the administration must make a more vigorous defense of academic freedom in the future. And many made clear their strong support of Joseph Massad, criticizing recent attacks on him by politically-motivated elements both within and without the university community.Here, you can read some of their statements. Check back for more.